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Lenovo Southern Africa, a leading producer of personalized computers together with TARSUS Botswana, a leading digital and technology distributer in southern Africa, has handed over a digital entrepreneurship pod, the first of its kind, to the University of Botswana. The digital pod was handed over during a ceremony held at the University of Botswana on May 11, 2022.

Thus, the partnership between Lenovo and the University of Botswana aims to aid and drive the institution’s strategy of Creating a Future for a Knowledge Generation. This is the first stage of a shared vision to upskill future generations of graduates.

In his welcome remarks, Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, stated that while institutions of higher learning had talented, creative, and innovative students, they were not creating an environment that could nurture such individuals. The Vice Chancellor observed that youth unemployment was a global problem, hence institutions of higher learning should create an environment that nurtures young talent and equips them with skills that can help them with innovative ways of improving their lives.

Consequently, Professor Norris said the partnership with Lenovo would serve as a co-creation platform where existing and aspiring entrepreneurs were empowered with digital tools and skills, as well as the required eco-system that enables creativity and innovation to create opportunities for the youth. He added that UB was therefore creating a Center for Business Development and Entrepreneurship to support student start-ups.

Lenovo General Manager for southern Africa, Mr Thibault Dousson, said Lenovo education technology inspired and empowered the future of learning and innovation. Lenovo believes smarter and better education for all starts with connectivity and smarter technology for all, observed Mr Dousson. Furthermore, he explained that for the generations of youth that were growing up with technology as a natural extension of their lives, personalized computing in education and entrepreneurship could enable them to engage, learn and create like never before.

Mr Dousson mentioned that the partnership with the University of Botswana was part of Lenovo’s belief that industry collaboration with educational institutions was key in nurturing students’ ambitions. He said the use of technology in education was becoming more prevalent. He added that schools and higher education institutions must ensure that students have the skills needed in the workplace upon graduation and that continuing education in the form of reskilling and upskilling was readily available.

Mr Dousson said the handover of the Digital Entrepreneurship Pod did not only support Lenovo’s brand vision of providing Smarter Technology for All but also aligned with the University’s vision of Creating a Future for the Knowledge Generation.

Mr Thabang Molapisi, Tarsus Sales Manager, said Lenovo was not only looking to sell in Botswana but also fulfilling its corporate social responsibility role. He noted that the project marked the beginning of a noble journey between the two institutions. Giving closing remarks, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Richard Tabulawa, thanked to all the Lenovo for the noble gesture. The ceremony was also graced by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Mrs Motsei Rapelana, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr Lopang Masupi, Senior Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Mr Moeng Segaetsho, Deans and Heads of Department, together with the Lenovo southern Africa team.